Biblioteca de Salud

Discharge Instructions: Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaking a baby, even slightly, is very dangerous. It causes a serious problem called shaken baby syndrome. This can lead to major brain damage and death. When a baby won’t stop crying, it can be frustrating. The stress of caring for a baby, especially if your baby has been sick, puts a strain on the parents. But no matter how fed up, tired, or upset you are, you should NEVER shake your baby.

Why It’s a Problem

When a baby is shaken, the brain moves back and forth inside the skull. Even a little force could cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull. This can result in bleeding and swelling inside the skull. It can lead to permanent brain damage, coma, or death.

If You’re Frustrated

If you feel yourself getting fed up, here’s how to cope:

Put the baby down in a safe place, even if she’s crying.

Take a deep breath. Walk away. Count to 10. Do whatever else you need to do to calm down.

Let others help you take care of the baby. Trade off with your partner, the baby’s grandparents, or other family members.

Talk to your baby’s doctor about what’s causing the crying. There could be a health problem or other issue that’s making the baby cry more than normal. The doctor can also give you ideas for how to console the baby when she cries.

If your baby's doctor believes your baby is just fussy, know that this is not your fault. Your baby will grow out of his or her period of fussiness and it does not mean he or she does not love you, or that you are not doing a good job.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to your baby’s doctor about childcare options, counseling, or other resources that can help.

Call the Childhelp USA hotline at 800-422-4453. The trained operator can help you deal with your frustration, so you don’t hurt your baby.